Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Join a certified forest therapy guide for a relaxing 2.5-hour stroll through the forest on the peaceful Arboretum grounds. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to be present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Your guide will share mindfulness practices designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes, as well as the world around you. Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, a forest bathing walk invites you to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for ourselves, our fraught ecosystems, and our community. It is true nature therapy!
- Special, discounted rate of $45/person (includes parking!)
- Occurs on select dates each month
- Max group size is 15 for a more intimate experience
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.
Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Know Before You Go
- Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
- Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
- Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
- COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
- At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Gardening season is here! Come and get ready to Spring Into the Garden at the Leicester Library. Learn about the Leicester Library Giving Garden, composting, gardening basics, and more. Get free seeds, plants, and compost. Kid’s activities are available too. Join us for the whole afternoon or any part of it.
Schedule of classes
1 pm : Kid’s craft outside with Ms. Jen
2 pm : Learn about composting with Buncombe County Solid Waste (FREE COMPOST)
3 pm : Giving Garden and Community Food Access Presentation (Chris Smith)
Plus-
Visit with the folks in the Leicester Library Giving Garden anytime throughout the afternoon. You can learn about volunteering, find out what they are planting, and get your hands in the dirt!
Swap and share houseplants in the houseplant swap in the library.
Swap and share seeds at our Seed Library.
Free compost from the Buncombe County Landfill.
Pisgah Brewing cordially invites you to our annual birthday bash on Saturday May 6th on the iconic outdoor stage! This year we welcome local funk stalwarts YO MAMAS BIG FAT BOOTY BAND along with LURETO out of Charleston and longtime AVL GD tribute band, PHUNCLE SAM to help us celebrate!
YO MAMAS BIG FAT BOOTY BAND (https://bootyband.com/)
Funk is more than a musical genre, it’s a way of life. And since that mindset is what Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band embodies every day, the collective titled its fourth studio album Funk Life.
The new record is as sassy and self-possessed as lead track “24/7,” a fearless plunge into contagious rhythms and bold horn hits. Recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in the Booty Band’s hometown, Asheville, N.C., Funk Life paired the musicians with engineer Julian Dreyer(Band of Horses, Avett Brothers, Zac Brown Band). The band was still arranging a couple of songs when tracking began, leaving room for the element of surprise. That spirit of excitement is captured on tracks like “Quick E,” an instrumental with plenty of swagger and vintage cool; the bold, woman-power manifesto “Mama Feelgood”, originally recorded by Lyn Collins; and “Wake Yo’Self” a caffeinated dance track that builds to a keys-driven crescendo.
Funk Life is as modern as it is rooted in time-tested textures. The album was conceived in the back seat of a 1972 Impala while listening to a mix tape of P-Funk, Sly and the Family Stone, Buddy Miles, Aretha Franklin, Tower of Power, and James Brown. So pervasive are those influences that the track “Living the Dream” came to keyboardist/vocalist Mary Frances-Mama Funk when, in a sleep-charged vision, George Clinton and Garry Shider of P-Funk taught her the melodic riff.
But as much as Funk Life offered the Booty Band a chance to zero in on the roots of funk music, it also reflects the band’s never-ending quest to deliver its vision of funk and where the genre is heading. For trombonist Derrick Johnson, the album presented an opportunity to use different techniques and sounds in creating a full horn section. “I think the process illuminated some concepts that will continue to be Booty Band staples as the band moves forward,” he says.
Innovation aside, the group has a keen sense of immediacy. “When you walk away from a show, you want to remember something,” says Mary Frances, and that’s why the Booty Band focuses on contagious choruses. Funk Life’s title track is as much an anthem as a deep groove, at once choreographed and organic. It’s the kind of song that has fans singing along on first listen.
In fact, the Booty Band takes its cues from the crowd: “When the ladies are dancing, that’s when you know the vibe is right,” says Mary Frances. The band not only infuses its funk aesthetic with sparkle and buoyancy, but maximizes its onstage entertainment value. During a Booty Band show you might find band members in the crowd, on top of a bar, and definitely in yo face!
Adding to the Booty Band’s crowd-pleasing prowess is a knack for selecting prime cover tunes. Deep cuts and songs by female artists make the list, as do unexpected hip-hop offerings. “They fit in our ecosystem,” says Lee. “We grew up with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, but they sample P-Funk, the Isley Brothers and classic funk. It’s a nice mixture.” Plus, there are nods to Crescent City favorites like Dirty Dozen Brass Band because, as Mary Frances says, “Everybody likes to be taken to New Orleans.”
With the release of Funk Life, the Booty Band continues its exploration of past, present and future funk sounds. “It’s a constant evolution,” says drummer Lee Allen. But the band isn’t too worried about defining that mix: “For me, it’s more of a feeling,” Lee says. “If it makes my head bob, it’s usually gonna make people dance.”
The band, which formed in the college town of Boone, North Carolina, in 2002, has shared stages with the likes of Parliament Funkadelic, Galactic, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Maceo Parker and Bootsy Collins. They’re in high demand on the festival circuit, putting in appearances at Wakarusa, Bear Creek, Jam Cruise, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Aura Fest, Floyd Fest, DeLuna Festival, Jazz Aspen, Center of the Universe Festival, Purple Hatters Ball, Camp Barefoot and Trinumeral, among others.
True musical road warriors, their live show is an absolute must see! A musical experience rather than simply a band, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band is all facets of funk wrapped into one deliciously deviant package.
LURETO: https://www.luretomusic.com/
PHUNCLE SAM: https://www.facebook.com/phuncle.sam.5/
The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a Navy Jersey courtesy of Fred Anderson Toyota.
The String Cheese Incident will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible three-night run (Thursday, May 4th, Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th)! Doors open at 5:30pm and the music starts at 6:30pm. All tickets are General Admission and these shows are all-ages with children under 7 free.
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have additional food trucks on-site for the duration of the show. And, of course, we will have MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!
HIGH VELOCITY WRESTLING SHOWDOWN SERIES! HVW BRINGS ALL THE ACTION TO THE SILVERADOS MUSIC PARK ON SATURDAY, MAY 6TH!
Gates at 5pm, Belltime at 7pm, All Ages Show.
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.
Thunder in the Smokies motorcyle rally: May 5-7, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Bike games, cash prize, concerts, tour Blue Ridge Parkway. Get tickets at rally. Friday: $25 weekend pass, all-inclusive for activities. Saturday: $20 all-inclusive for Saturday-Sunday.Visit www.thunderinthesmokies.com or https://handlebarcorral.com/springrally/.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
9 AM Gate Opens, Vendors Open
12 pm Ride-In Bike Show $1,000 Prize
1:30 pm Bike Games $1,000 Prize
Concerts:
5 pm – 7 pm Featuring… Mark Keller
7 pm – 9 pm Featuring… Cash Creek and Friends
9 pm – 11 pm Featuring… Kala McKinney
Also, Fire Dancers will be performing Friday and Saturday.
The Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer program in Buncombe County is now accepting applications for initial training this fall. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their community, expand and share their gardening knowledge, and work in a team environment.
To become a certified Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer, individuals accepted into the program are required to complete the 40-hour initial training program, pass an examination, and complete an internship of 40 hours of volunteer service. Additional continuing education (15 hours) and volunteer service to the community (30 hours) are required for annual recertification.
Training will be held in-person, during the day Tuesdays, August through November.
The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Completed applications should be emailed or printed and mailed or delivered to the Cooperative Extension Office at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC 28806.
A training fee of $150 is due upon acceptance into the training program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.
More information on the Master Gardener program in Buncombe County, including Frequently Asked Questions and Activities to Fulfill Your Volunteer Requirements, is available on the Buncombe County Extension website. Click here: Buncombe County Extension website
Download and print an application: 2023 EMG Application and Certification Agreement
Helping Gardeners Put Knowledge to Work
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.
Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.
- Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
- 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
- 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
- Antler Hill Village & Winery
- Complimentary Wine Tasting
- Complimentary Parking
Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.
Presenter: Craig Mauney – NC Cooperative Extension Agent
Fruit trees are a home garden favorite, and it’s challenging to grow good fruit in our WNC environment. It helps to carefully select smaller, more disease-resistant varieties and consider more unusual fruit like persimmons, bush cherries, mulberries, and pawpaws.
Our presenter, Craig Mauney, is an Extension Area Specialized Agent for commercial vegetable and fruit production in our western counties. He has years of experience growing small fruits in his own home landscape, and you’re sure to learn something new to help you grow those little gems of flavor.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.
We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15
Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.
Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:
June 12-15, 19-22,
July 10-13, 17-20,
August 7-10, 14-17.
Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:
June 19-22,
July 17-20,
August 14-17.
NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!
GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.
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Members: FREE
Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150
The Annual Spring Herb Festival at the WNC Ag Center offers herbs and heirloom vegetables as well as products and soil additives and organic expertise.
Great regional herb growers, herbal product manufacturers, herbalists, and specialists in herbiculture, including growing herbs for culinary and medicinal uses join for two days of herb celebration.
Get ready to make that herb garden shine! Fruit trees, permaculture and everything herbal. Come later in the afternoon if you want to avoid crowds! Free workshops again in 2023. Food trucks! Handmade herbal products, garden ornaments and soil amendments too!
The largest herb festival in the United States and Canada — promoting WNC herbs and herbal products since 1990!
May 5th, FRIDAY 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
May 6th, SATURDAY 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
May 7th, SUNDAY 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
- Dig in the dirt and bring up some deep knowledge on soil health with UNCA’s Asst. Professor Jake Hagedorn
- Start off with
- Learn about our Holistic Land Management from Farm Director Virginia, and how our regenerative practices depend on a deep connection with soil and understanding of it’s indicators.
- Spotted on the farm by our farm crew, staff & neighbors: moles, voles, groundhogs, worms, toads, grouse, killdeer and all manner of creepy crawlies!
- Attendees will break for an included biscuit brunch* from butcher Brian’s kitchen, as birding is hungry work. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery!
Is your interest in soil health and farming deeper than dirt? Join us for a practical and in-depth course on regenerative practices and impact in a continuation of our Savory Hub courses, Introduction to Holistic Land Management with Virginia Hamilton.
Cost: $25/person, 2 pack for $40, biscuit brunch is included.
*If you have dietary restrictions, please reach out to [email protected] and we can accommodate.
- This will be a physical activity outside on farm grounds, and DIRT is involved! Wear appropriate footwear and outerwear.
- This class is not recommended for kids in middle school or younger for content comprehension.
- Our Farm Store will be open 10am-5pm. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery!
Featured Speakers & Guides:
Jake Hagedorn
Jake is an assistant professor of Environmental Studies at UNC Asheville. He received his BS in Environmental Studies from UNC Asheville, MS in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University and PhD in Environmental Science from University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. He teaches soil science, agriculture and energy courses at UNC Asheville. His research focuses on assessing how farm management decisions and best management practices impact water, soil, and air quality. Understanding the complex role soil has in the biogeochemical nutrient cycling is essential for examining environmental concepts like pollution tradeoffs or soil carbon sequestration potential. He also loves chatting about tiny houses.
Virginia Hamilton
Virginia is our Farm Director here at the home of the brand in Fairview. She received her BS in Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College and her MS in Land Resources & Environmental Science from Montana State University. Prior to completing her MS, she was the assistant farm manager at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC for five years. She is interested in the ecology of working lands and any and all opportunities to invite landowners and community members to participate in the scientific process. She believes that working farms and forests are the key to thriving and resilient rural communities that are poised to support the communities around them. Virginia also spearheads our Ecological Outcome Verification efforts with the Savory Institute.
About the Savory Institute
The Savory Institute’s mission is to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands and the livelihoods of their inhabitants great and small, through holistic land management. Savory Institute is working in collaboration with research institutions and partners, to measure the outcomes of managing holistically, by monitoring the health of ecosystem processes, levels of permanent soil carbon, quality of life of the people, as well as financial vitality. Hickory Nut Gap is a verified Savory Hub as of 2021- to equip our partner farmers, local farmers, ranchers, and pastoralist communities with the tools and knowledge to regenerate grasslands in a localized context. To learn more about the Savory Institute, click here.
- Dig in the dirt and bring up some deep knowledge on soil health with UNCA’s Asst. Professor Jake Hagedorn
- Learn about our Holistic Land Management from Farm Director Virginia, and how our regenerative practices depend on a deep connection with soil and understanding of its indicators.
- Spotted on the farm by our farm crew, staff & neighbors: moles, voles, groundhogs, worms, toads, grouse, killdeer and all manner of creepy crawlies!
- Attendees will break for an included biscuit brunch* from butcher Brian’s kitchen, as birding is hungry work. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery!
Is your interest in soil health and farming deeper than dirt? Join us for a practical and in-depth course on regenerative practices and impact in a continuation of our Savory Hub courses, Introduction to Holistic Land Management with Virginia Hamilton.
Notes for attendees:
- This will be a physical activity outside on farm grounds, and DIRT is involved! Wear appropriate footwear and outerwear.
- Bringing a pair of gardening gloves or work gloves is recommended.
- This class is not recommended for kids in middle school or younger for content comprehension.
- Our Farm Store will be open 10am-5pm. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery!
Featured Speakers & Guides:
Jake Hagedorn
Jake is an assistant professor of Environmental Studies at UNC Asheville. He received his BS in Environmental Studies from UNC Asheville, MS in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University and PhD in Environmental Science from University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. He teaches soil science, agriculture and energy courses at UNC Asheville. His research focuses on assessing how farm management decisions and best management practices impact water, soil, and air quality. Understanding the complex role soil has in the biogeochemical nutrient cycling is essential for examining environmental concepts like pollution tradeoffs or soil carbon sequestration potential. He also loves chatting about tiny houses.
Virginia Hamilton
Virginia is our Farm Director here at the home of the brand in Fairview. She received her BS in Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College and her MS in Land Resources & Environmental Science from Montana State University. Prior to completing her MS, she was the assistant farm manager at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC for five years. She is interested in the ecology of working lands and any and all opportunities to invite landowners and community members to participate in the scientific process. She believes that working farms and forests are the key to thriving and resilient rural communities that are poised to support the communities around them. Virginia also spearheads our Ecological Outcome Verification efforts with the Savory Institute.
About the Savory Institute
The Savory Institute’s mission is to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands and the livelihoods of their inhabitants great and small, through holistic land management. Savory Institute is working in collaboration with research institutions and partners, to measure the outcomes of managing holistically, by monitoring the health of ecosystem processes, levels of permanent soil carbon, quality of life of the people, as well as financial vitality. Hickory Nut Gap is a verified Savory Hub as of 2021- to equip our partner farmers, local farmers, ranchers, and pastoralist communities with the tools and knowledge to regenerate grasslands in a localized context. To learn more about the Savory Institute, click here.
The largest herb festival in the United States and Canada — promoting WNC herbs and herbal products since 1990!
Thunder in the Smokies motorcyle rally: May 5-7, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Bike games, cash prize, concerts, tour Blue Ridge Parkway. Get tickets at rally. Friday: $25 weekend pass, all-inclusive for activities. Saturday: $20 all-inclusive for Saturday-Sunday.Visit www.thunderinthesmokies.com or https://handlebarcorral.com/springrally/.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
9 AM Gate Opens, Vendors Open
12 pm Ride-In Bike Show $1,000 Prize
1:30 pm Bike Games $1,000 Prize
Concerts:
5 pm – 7 pm Featuring… Mark Keller
7 pm – 9 pm Featuring… Cash Creek and Friends
9 pm – 11 pm Featuring… Kala McKinney
Also, Fire Dancers will be performing Friday and Saturday.
The Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer program in Buncombe County is now accepting applications for initial training this fall. We are looking for individuals who want to serve their community, expand and share their gardening knowledge, and work in a team environment.
To become a certified Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer, individuals accepted into the program are required to complete the 40-hour initial training program, pass an examination, and complete an internship of 40 hours of volunteer service. Additional continuing education (15 hours) and volunteer service to the community (30 hours) are required for annual recertification.
Training will be held in-person, during the day Tuesdays, August through November.
The application deadline is June 1, 2023. Completed applications should be emailed or printed and mailed or delivered to the Cooperative Extension Office at 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 102, Asheville, NC 28806.
A training fee of $150 is due upon acceptance into the training program. Scholarships are available, please inquire.
More information on the Master Gardener program in Buncombe County, including Frequently Asked Questions and Activities to Fulfill Your Volunteer Requirements, is available on the Buncombe County Extension website. Click here: Buncombe County Extension website
Download and print an application: 2023 EMG Application and Certification Agreement
Helping Gardeners Put Knowledge to Work
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.
Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.
- Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
- 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
- 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
- Antler Hill Village & Winery
- Complimentary Wine Tasting
- Complimentary Parking
Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.
Presenter: Craig Mauney – NC Cooperative Extension Agent
Fruit trees are a home garden favorite, and it’s challenging to grow good fruit in our WNC environment. It helps to carefully select smaller, more disease-resistant varieties and consider more unusual fruit like persimmons, bush cherries, mulberries, and pawpaws.
Our presenter, Craig Mauney, is an Extension Area Specialized Agent for commercial vegetable and fruit production in our western counties. He has years of experience growing small fruits in his own home landscape, and you’re sure to learn something new to help you grow those little gems of flavor.
Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.
Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.
Garden Helpline Hours
March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October – (ends October 26th)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.